Watch Starcrash

In 1978, a space opera movie titled "Starcrash" was released, directed by Luigi Cozzi and starring Marjoe Gortner, Caroline Munro, and Christopher Plummer. The film is a low-budget, B-movie sci-fi adventure that takes place in a distant future in space. The story revolves around the main character Stella Star (Caroline Munro), a beautiful space smuggler, who is captured with her co-pilot Akton (Marjoe Gortner) by the authorities of the planet Haath. They are approached by the emperor of the Galaxy, played by Christopher Plummer, with an offer they can't refuse. He asks for their help to locate a missing spaceship that carries a weapon capable of destroying entire planets.

Stella and Akton embark on a dangerous mission that takes them through various adventures, including a fight with giant Amazons, a battle with stop-motion animated robots, and a visit to a planet inhabited by a tribe of cave people. They even encounter a space fortress and a giant alien monster. Along the way, they meet a cowboy robot named L, and the trio attempts to save the galaxy from the evil Count Zarth Arn (Joe Spinell), who commands a mighty superweapon called the Doom Machine.

Starcrash is a classic example of its genre, filled with cheesy dialogues, plot twists, and a variety of special effects. The movie features spaceships and robots, and the costumes appear to be influenced by the likes of Star Wars and Barbarella.

One of the most memorable scenes in this film is the appearance of the evil Count Zarth Arn, played by Joe Spinell. With his sinister aura, painted face, and his long cape, the character channels a bit of Darth Vader from Star Wars. While the character is perhaps not the most fleshed-out villain, his performance is certainly memorable.

Caroline Munro, who played the role of Stella Star, manages to fill most of the screen time with her undeniable presence. With her long blonde hair, tight-fitting jumpsuit, and a skimpy metal bikini outfit throughout the movie's climax, it's clear that she was meant to be an object of desire for the male audience. However, she also demonstrates a sense of agency and toughness as she navigates through the many perils of space.

Christopher Plummer's brief appearances as the emperor of the galaxy provide a sense of luxury and prestige for the cast. He plays his role with dignity, delivering his lines with an air of gravitas. His mere presence elevates the film above its status as a B movie.

The film's special effects vary in quality, ranging from traditional model work to more primitive animation techniques. On one hand, the miniature sets and puppet characters create an authentic sci-fi atmosphere, whereas on the other, the matte paintings and green screen effects look outdated by today's standards.

The music score, composed by John Barry, is perhaps one of the movie's highlights. While clearly an attempt to imitate the sound of Star Wars, it features a memorable main theme that perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the film.

Overall, Starcrash is an enjoyable romp through space, with a cast that includes both familiar and unfamiliar faces. With its low-budget constraints and narrative shortcomings, the film is never dull, offering a wild ride filled with bizarre creatures, wacky characters, and campy humor. If you're looking for a fun, over-the-top, and nostalgic trip through space, Starcrash might be the perfect choice for your movie night.

Starcrash is a 1978 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0.